Tony Barbee is out as the head coach of the Auburn basketball team according to Auburn's Athletic Director Jay Jacobs.

The announcement comes after Auburn's 74-56 loss to South Carolina in the SEC Tournament that dropped Barbee's four-year record to 48-75, including an 18-50 record in the SEC.

"After careful evaluation of the last four years, I feel this is best for our program," Jacobs said.

Jacobs informed Barbee of his decision in the hotel where the team was staying after the tournament loss.

"I want to thank Coach Barbee and his staff for all they have done over the past four years," Jacobs said. "I sincerely appreciate all they have given to Auburn and wish each of them and their families nothing but the best."

Jacobs said that the search for a new coach would begin immediately.

"I believe we should compete for a championship in men's basketball," Jacobs said. "It's time for somebody else to have a turn. We need to find somebody to come in here and take what we have here now and put some more in and compete for SEC titles."